Why is Protecting the Congo Basin Rainforest So Important?

The Congo Basin Rainforest functions as the heart of Africa and lungs of the world – it is vital to supporting people, nature, and the planet. Its natural resources provide subsistence and commercial activities for the nearly 75 million people from Indigenous and local communities who call it home. 

The Congo Basin also sequesters more carbon than the tropical forests of the Amazon and Asia combined. With so much at stake, the world cannot afford the degradation, deforestation, and biodiversity loss of the Congo Basin. 

We are committed to working with government officials, grantees, and local partners to protect, restore, and sustainably manage Africa’s incredible biodiversity and natural resources. Together, we will accelerate progress toward protecting 30% of the Congo Basin region by 2030.